Abstract

We investigated the effect of Sodium valproate (VAP) combined with methylprednisolone (MP) on spinal cord injury (SCI), and its underlying mechanism. Following the establishment of the SCI model using SD mice, VPA treatment group: 8 hours after the establishment of SCI model, VAP (dissolved in normal saline) was injected intraperitoneal at a dose of 30 mg / kg for 30 days. MP treatment group: 30 min, 6 and 24 hours after successful establishment of SCI model, MP (dissolved in normal saline) was injected intraperitoneal at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Behavioral tests, Nissl staining, and hematoxylin-eosin staining were employed to assess motor function recovery and neuronal cell death. Western blot was used to assess the apoptosis-associated proteins (Bcl-2, caspase-3, Bax). VAP combined with MP can significantly improve the motor function of spinal cord and reduce neuronal death. Also, significant upregulation of Bcl-2 expressions, with the downregulation of Bax and caspase-3 expressions were found in the VAP combined with MP treated group. The protective effect of MP combined with MP on SCI may be mediated by inhibition of NF-κ B signal pathway. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of VAP combined with MP in SCI.